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Plancius

Plancius Itinerary

South Spitsbergen - Bear Island - Norway

6 days / 5 nights

About Plancius

  • Refurbished research vessel with three-star accommodation
  • Comfortable polar expedition ship with an exploratory atmosphere
  • Enjoy hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, camping, and photography
  • Boat crew, hotel staff, expedition team, and a doctor on board

Plancius is a refurbished Royal Dutch Navy research vessel embarking on epic adventures in the polar regions. Having undergone extensive refurbishment, this impressive expedition ship now promises comfortable cruises in some of the harshest environments on the planet. But, while the interiors are certainly inviting, Ortelius’ itineraries aim to immerse guests in the surrounding wilderness, offering a variety of epic activities such as mountaineering, skiing, or scuba diving. What’s more, this vessel’s modest-size makes for a wonderfully intimate atmosphere on board, adding extra exclusivity to the experience.

Learn more about Plancius

Itinerary details

Length of trip 6 days / 5 nights
Number of dives 0
Experience No experience required
Insurance Not Required

Highlights

  • Hornsund offer spectacular glaciers and a breathtaking landscape
  • Explore along the Norwegian coast, including the majestic Storfjord
  • Visit the prestigious Polar Museum at Tromsø
  • Voyage to the Bear Island and Svalbard
Day 1: Largest town, biggest island
You touch down in Longyearbyen, the administrative center of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. Enjoy strolling around this former mining town, whose parish church and Svalbard Museum are fascinating attractions. Though the countryside appears stark, more than a hundred plant species have been recorded here. In the early evening, the ship sails out of Isfjorden, where we might spot the first minke whale of the voyage.

Day 2: Spectacular Hornsund
We start the day by quietly cruising the side fjords of the spectacular Hornsund area in southern Spitsbergen, enjoying the scenery of towering mountain peaks. The mountain of Hornsundtind rises to 1,431 meters (4,695 feet), while the peak of Bautaen testifies to why early Dutch explorers gave this island the name Spitsbergen, meaning "pointed mountains." There are 14 magnificent glaciers in the area, and we have a chance of encountering seals and polar bears. The bird cliffs are now mostly quiet, with many species having departed aside from some first-year fulmars.

Day 3: Isolated Bear Island
We arrive at the southeastern end of Bear Island, an excellent place for viewing the high cliff faces and "Perleporten."

Northward, in Kvalrossbukta, the opportunity to land and visit the remains of a whaling station from early in the previous century should present itself. We might also land in a shallow valley, such as Rendalen.

Days 4-5: Toward Norway, Aurora Borealis
Sailing southward, we are likely to see whales in the surrounding sea, and when night falls again, we have a good chance to see the Aurora Borealis in the skies above.

Day 6: Arrive in Tromsø (Norway)
Tromsø, also known as the gate to the Arctic, has been an important town from which Arctic expeditions set out to the north for centuries. From here, one can fly to Oslo and beyond. 

Sample itineraries are for guidance only. Actual itineraries may differ slightly due to factors such as weather, wildlife, logistics, and local regulations.

Transfer details

Departure

04:00pm

Longyearbyen

Svalbard Airport: LYR

Return

09:00am

Tromso

Tromso Airport: TOS

Current availability and prices: https://www.zubludiving.com/itineraries/plancius/itn-2603060347301-south-spitsbergen-bear-island-norway